Windows 10 S FAQ

Windows 10 S is a specific configuration of Windows 10 Pro that offers a familiar, productive Windows experience that’s streamlined for security and performance. By exclusively using apps in the Microsoft Store and ensuring that you browse safely with Microsoft Edge, Windows 10 S keeps you running fast and secure day in and day out.

Windows 10 S is a specific configuration of Windows 10 Pro and has many of its features, but for security and performance it exclusively runs apps from the Microsoft Store and uses Microsoft Edge as its default browser. For more details on the differences, see the feature comparison chart.

*This feature list is not exhaustive but intended to be illustrative to outline configuration differences

Windows 10 S was inspired by students and teachers and it’s the best Windows ever for schools. It’s also a great choice for any Windows customer looking for consistent performance and advanced security. By limiting apps to those in the Microsoft Store, Windows 10 S is ideal for people who have everything they need in the Microsoft Store and prefer the peace of mind that comes with removing the risk of downloading apps from other places.

Education customers can test Windows 10 S on an existing Windows 10 device. This offer is for technical users, so please see the important pre-installation information at docs.microsoft.com/education.

Windows 10 S works exclusively with compatible apps from the Microsoft Store. The vast majority of apps available in the Microsoft Store will work on Windows 10 S the same way they will work on Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Home. Note that some developer tools will not be supported for use on Windows 10 S and a small number of apps with known compatibility issues will have notice of the issue included in the app’s product detail page in the Microsoft Store.

Many hardware accessories and peripherals (such as printers) that work with Windows 10 today will work with Windows 10 S, but may have limited functionality. This page has some additional details on Microsoft hardware accessories as well as links to third parties who can share compatibility information for using their accessories with Windows 10 S. If you do not find information on a specific model, please check with your accessory manufacturer directly.

Apps purchased from the Microsoft Store are linked to your Microsoft account. In most cases, if you install an app from the Microsoft Store on another Windows 10 PC, you should be able to install it on your Windows 10 S configured PC as long as you sign in with the same Microsoft account.

Microsoft Edge is the default web browser on Windows 10 S and Bing the default search engine in Microsoft Edge when customers are in Windows 10 S configuration. Customers are always in control of their Windows experience. When in Windows 10 S configuration, you are able to download any browser available in the Microsoft Store and can navigate to any other search engine website. If you want to download a browser (or any other application) not in the Microsoft Store, you can switch to Windows 10 Pro, at which time you can set the browser and search engine defaults of your choice.

If you try to use an app that is not available in the Microsoft Store, you will see a reminder that apps used with Windows 10 S must come from the Microsoft Store. In some instances, you may also see a suggestion for a category of similar apps or a specific app that is already available in the Microsoft Store. Note that some developer tools will not be supported for use on Windows 10 S and a small number of apps with known compatibility issues will have notice of the issue included in the app’s product detail page in the Microsoft Store. Ultimately, if you want to download an application that is not in the Microsoft Store or has compatibility issues, you can choose to switch out of Windows 10 S configuration to Windows 10 Pro.

Compatible apps and devices will continue to grow over time. For the most up-to-date information, you can always check back at this website, in the Microsoft Store or with the hardware or software manufacturer. If you absolutely need to use an app or device that's not compatible, it is easy to switch to Windows 10 Pro. See the next question for more info.

You can switch to Windows 10 Pro easily at any time through the Microsoft Store in Windows for an affordable price; payment is collected through the Microsoft Store.

To learn more or switch to Windows 10 Pro, go to the Microsoft Store in Windows and search for Windows 10 Pro. To find the Microsoft Store, select Store on the taskbar. If you don't see the Store icon on the taskbar, select the Start button, type Microsoft Store, then click the Store to open the Microsoft Store.

Windows provides a number of built-in accessibility features to help you do more and there are great apps available today through the Microsoft Store such as the KNFB Reader and the Read & Write for Microsoft Edge extension.

Some customers use assistive technology apps that are not available through the Microsoft Store nor downloadable to a Windows 10 S configured device. Customers who use these accessible technologies will need to switch their device to Windows 10 Pro. If you use assistive technology, learn about how to switch for free here.